American Leadership Academy Gilbert North didn't fret about a 15-point deficit to start the third quarter after turning the ball over then seeing Desert Mountain sink a trey on its first possession of said quarter.

ALA-GN bowed its neck and got to work. The Eagles even managed to lead briefly late in the quarter. It was a sign of their perserverance as they prevailed in a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter beating the Wolves, 76-73, to claim the title of the 19th annual Fear The Hop Boys Basketball Invitational hosted by Mesa High.

ALA-GN took control in the game's final 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Tournament most valuable player -- Desert Mountain's Kaden House (team-high 23 points) -- scored the Wolves final points at that juncture for a 73-69 lead.

It was all ALA-GN from there. Senior guard McGuire Andrus sank his second three of the quarter to bring ALA-GN within 73-72. The team's traded scoreless possessions until ALA-GN's Dylan Novak's scored on a driving layup with 1:18 to play putting the Eagles ahead to stay. Desert Mountain missed a handful of shots in the final 70 seconds. ALA-GN's Spencer Ferguson made two free throws for the game's final points with 13 seconds left. Desert Mountain's last chance to even the game was a three-point attempt by Anthony Parise that missed its mark with 16 seconds to go.

Players selected for the all-tournament first team with Kaden House topping the list were: Novak, Campo Verde's Isaiah Kai, Mesquite's Cohenj Gonzales, Estrella Foothills Noah Amenhauser and Mesa's Kota Benson.

Campo Verde won the third-place game with a 65-58 victory over Mesquite. Campo Verde's Kai poured in 36 points to lead all scorers. Teammate Cohen Ferguson added 13 points. Mesquite had three players score in double figures  - Jamar Trotter (18), Gonzales (14) and Jaylen Wollangk (13). Gonzales, a senior, netted his 1,000th career point in the third period. The consolation final was won by Mesa, 59-29 over Tolleson.